A Customer question…….

I just had a conversation with a Scan customer, and it provoked me to write this little missive, on the age old question of “Is bigger better?” or indeed “Is more expensive better?” In this case, in relation to microphones……… and it provoked me to remind you of something else……

The customer in question, is a very nice young lady, who is looking to set up her own first studio, in order to record herself over the next couple of years while she looks to sell her songs. She seems to have a good idea of what she wants to achieve, but wondered if she should ‘stretch herself’ (her words, not mine) to a better microphone than the one she had budgeted for.

So, without naming brands, or dissing one mic for another, let me try and generalise on the subject, and then point out a very real and cool possibility via the Scan website.

Generally speaking, a Large-diaphragm Condenser mic(if we’ve lost you here, please refer to our very earliest blogs about different mics and types…) will be able to be utilised in many more areas than a smaller diaphragm mic.

In some cases the smaller ones are especially useful, i.e. in specialised areas, say miking a Cello or a piano, but as a rule, a nice Large-Diaphragm condenser will be able to record just about anything, from Lead vocals to a violin to a Saxophone. Indeed, you’d be hard pressed to find a professional studio that doesn’t have at least one Neumann U87 or it’s like in the armoury, and some of the more modern mics feature variable pickup patterns and switchable pads, specifically to make them all the more versatile and useful.

So, dear customer Lady, my recommendation would always be to go for the best microphone you can afford. Over the course of your work, you will hear time and again, that what you put in, has the biggest effect on what you get out, and aside from that, although at the moment, you don’t envisage recording string quartets, the ability to record just one violin and put it in front of your software violin section, might well put you ahead of the loop, so…….

Here at Scan we offer 2 exceptionally good finance options, which might allow you to make that first purchase, just a little more manageable, and allow you to upgrade a component or piece of kit you thought you couldn’t afford.

Here are a few Frequently Asked Questions:

What is financing?
Scan.co.uk are committed to offering the very best products money can buy with the most convenient ways of paying for your goods. Financing is a convenient way of purchasing your goods with a minimum outlay and spreading the cost over a period of time that is convenient to you.

Who is eligible?
To apply for financing you must be aged between 18 and 75, work at least 16 hours a week or disabled/retired with an income. Homemakers are not excluded either and can apply under their own names but we will require their spouses employment details. You must also be a resident of the UK and have lived here for at least 3 years.

Who is this available for ?
Scan finance is available to retail customers only.

How can I apply?
Applying for financing couldn’t be easier or more convenient. After you have selected your purchases, all that is required is to fill out a simple on-line application form and we will do the rest.

What Do I Need To Apply?
To apply for finance you must meet the following criteria:

You must be over 18 years of age.

You must be a UK resident with at least 3 years continual address history.

You must be in full time employment, unless retired or a house person with a spouse in full time employment.

You must have a UK bank account capable of accepting Direct Debits.

You must have a valid Debit or Credit card registered in your name and to the home address on the application form in order to pay your deposit.

How much can I borrow?
When checking out, just complete the easy online application form that you’ll receive from V12 Retail Finance and you can be approved instantly for up to £15,000 to allow you to make the purchase you’ve been dreaming of, and pay for it in easy manageable instalments.

Is a deposit required?
Yes, a minimum 10% deposit will need to be paid upon acceptance on all finance options.

When will I know if my application for financing has been approved?
An instant descision will be given online whether or not your application for credit has been approved.

Once my application has been approved, what happens next?
Once your application for finance has been approved we will release your goods for shipment immediately. Typically the first payment will be due one month after the delivery of your goods.

Can I ask for my purchases to be delivered to my work address?
To safeguard against fraudulent applications, we can only deliver to your home address. However, for a small surcharge, we can arrange for your goods to be delivered on a Saturday morning if that is more convenient for you.

What if I require any further assistance?
For any further information you may require on the finance related part of your application, we have set-up a Scan Finance help-line for your convenience. This help-line is manned Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm. Please call 02920 468 900. Calls are charged at national rate.

Are there any additional charges?
If your application is accepted an arrangement fee of £20 will be applied (charge applies for Buy Now Pay Later option only)

Why is there a V12 arrangement fee?
V12 apply this charge to cover the costs incurred during the application process, this includes doing a credit check in order to process the application. The charge is only payable on acceptance of an agreement and should your payment not be authorised, you will not be charged.

How are my monthly payments made?
All monthly payments are paid by direct debit from your personal bank account. Typically the first payment will be due one month after the delivery of your goods, subsequent monthly payments will be due every month for the length of your agreement.

What type of goods can I buy on Finance?
Anything on our website. Please remember that the minimum order value for finance is £300(inc vat)

Can I pay off my loan early?
You can settle your loan agreement at any time. Simply contact V12 Retail Finance and they will calculate and send you your settlement figure. Your settlement figure and date are calculated in line with the Consumer Credit Act.